neither understand nor can maintain. The system requires specialized RIP software. Most low-cost systems either have no RIP, or an inferior homegrown RIP or even a pirated RIP (so zero support and often doesn’t even work). The white inks tend to block easily, especially the cheap inks. Quality systems have a pump that constantly cycles the white ink). Anti-head strike technology is essential as head strikes reduce print head longevity. Most low- end systems don’t have this. You need to either be a hands-on person or have access to a good technician if you are going for DTF as they do need periodic maintenance. DTF printers need to be used often to prevent ink blockages and they must NOT be used in temperatures over 30C (else the ink gums up the head). You can’t just print today and forget about it for a week. The print heads are a consumable item that needs replacing every 4-24 months depending on usage, print head used (see Page 14 for the explanation) and model purchased. Choose your supplier with care! SUBLIMATION Sublimation is by far the best technology for photo-quality image transfers. These systems use a Sawgrass gel printer, a modified inkjet printer or an Epson sublimation-specific printer. Modified printers used for sublimation lose their warranty and tend to have issues with head blockages and lack of colour matching. The Sawgrass printer is currently the only printer which has colour matching for the widest variety of transfer papers and substrates. Sublimation is used commercially to decorate Ties, all Sportswear (including the Neon ones), Flags, Silk Scarves, Sweatbands, most full-colour Mugs, and all polyester, Nylon and Lycra clothing. ADVANTAGES You can transfer onto any polyurethane-coated surface, including Fabrics, Metal, Wood, high temp plastic and Ceramics (mugs, tiles, plates etc.) There is a huge variety of products which can be sublimated. An entry-level system which can print most surfaces costs under R20,000. Transfers are superb – bright rich colours, with photo-quality images and smooth skin tones. Transfers on synthetic fabrics are permanent and don’t wash out – not even with bleach. Transfers onto dark substrates with the correct media are very good, though nowhere near as good as DTF (which is pretty much limited to fabrics).
DISADVANTAGES
All items have to be coated for sublimation to work (though we do sell spray and adhesive coatings). Sublimation transfer systems are made for image transferring only and are not suitable for printing business cards, letterheads etc. The substrate being decorated must be able to withstand a temperature of 160C for minutes at a time (120C if using our film coating). Sublimation printers need to be used often to prevent them from blocking. Sublimation prints need to be shielded from ultraviolet (UV) or they fade (though there is a metal made specifically for the outdoors with a 5-year outdoor lifespan).
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